Where To Get A Birth Certificate In South Africa
Description
A birth certificate is a vital record that documents the birth of a person. The term “birth certificate” can refer to either the original document certifying the circumstances of the birth or to a certified copy of or representation of the ensuing registration of that birth.
Where To Get A Birth Certificate In South Africa
Births are registered at the Department of Home Affairs. An abridged birth certificate is issued for free on registration of the birth. Information on how to apply for a copy of the birth certificate or an unabridged birth certificate is available from the Department of Home Affairs.
All children born in South Africa must be registered within 30 days of their birth (in terms of the Births and Deaths Registration Act, 1992.)
A parent, parents, guardian or any other person legally responsible for the child must complete Form BI-24 (with black ink only) and it must be submitted to the nearest office of the Department of Home Affairs if you are in South Africa, or the nearest South African embassy, mission or consulate if you are overseas.
Once the child’s birth has been registered, an unabridged birth certificate is issued free of charge, usually a day or so after the registration application has been submitted.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
How much does it cost to get a birth certificate in South Africa?
Please note that an unabridged birth certificate currently costs R75 and can take up to 8 weeks to be processed. Furthermore, all submitted documents must be originals or certified copies.
How long does it take to get a new birth certificate in South Africa?
This process will take 6 – 8 weeks. If you’re waiting on the unabridged birth certificate and need to travel, consider asking a Home Affairs office for a letter that provides the details of both parents. Your child will be able to travel when you receive this letter.
What is the fastest way to get an unabridged birth certificate in South Africa?
It can take up to 24 weeks to obtain your certificate at Home Affairs. We will expedite your order and obtain your certificate in in the 8 week window. We collect your order the day that it is ready. Please note* if Home Affairs cannot find your records you will have to fill out both a BI-288 & BI-24 forms.
What is the difference between unabridged and abridged birth certificate?
Abridged birth certificates merely indicate the name and surname of a child’s mother. Unabridged birth certificates include the details of both the mother and the father.
How do I get a birth certificate for my newborn?
Step 1: Get a birth Certificate Registration Form from the registrar’s office (from your municipal authority). Step 2: When a child is born in a hospital, the form is provided by the Medical Officer In-charge. Step 3: Fill in the form within 21 days of birth of the child.
Can I apply a birth certificate online?
An online form is filled and relevant documents in PDF format submitted. The form contains two options, whether one is applying for a new certificate or a replacement. Proceed to choose new birth certificate and approve that the child was born in a health facility.
Where can I get an unabridged birth certificate?
The Department of Home Affairs has encouraged parents and guardians to apply at any of their nearest home affairs offices for unabridged birth certificates for their children even if they do not have plans to travel abroad in the near future as this is a legal requirement.
How can I check my birth certificate online?
Firstly; you will have to enter your birth certificate registration number. Secondly; just enter your official date of birth. The website will search the government database and show you your birth certificate online.
What is a certified true copy of birth certificate?
An individual requesting for certification that the records are still existing and attest to the fact that the documents presented by the subject are authentic.
Do you need full birth certificate for passport?
You’ll need all of the following: your full birth certificate showing your parents’ details. your father’s birth certificate. your parents’ marriage certificate.
Why do you need an unabridged birth certificate?
You do not need an unabridged birth certificate for domestic travel (for example between Johannesburg and Cape Town), but for international travel, you require this official document. Often for visas, overseas marriages and foreign citizenship applications, a South African would require an unabridged birth certificate.
Can a father apply for a birth certificate without the mother in South Africa?
The Constitutional Court has ruled that a section of the Registration of Births and Deaths Act is unconstitutional. This means unmarried fathers can now register their children, without the mothers, at the Department of Home Affairs.
How long does it take to get birth certificate after baby is born?
Please keep in mind: It takes approximately 5-10 business days for the hospital to complete the birth certificate and submit it to us for registration. If we have the certificate, you will receive it at the time of your order.
Do both parents need to be present when applying for an unabridged birth certificate?
Q-Pro is able to source this document within 7 – 14 working days. The documentation required to accompany an application for an unabridged birth certificate including the following: Original or certified copies both parents identity documents. The child’s ID number.
Can a child travel without unabridged birth certificate?
All minor children travelling through any South African port of entry must have an unabridged birth certificate or an equivalent document.
How do I add father’s name to birth certificate in South Africa?
Both parents must complete Form BI-1682 and submit it to any domestic Home Affairs office. If the mother refuses her consent to the insertion, the father may apply to a High Court for exemption of the mother’s consent. Form BI-85 must be completed in order to change a forename(s).
Can I change my child’s surname without the father’s consent in South Africa?
A- You need the ex’s consent (or a court order) to change their surname. You would need the permission of the biological father to acquire sole guardianship (or to change the children’s surname). If he refuses, you will have to approach a SA court to appoint you as the sole guardian of the children.
Can unmarried father Register birth?
In its judgment, the Constitutional Court confirmed that section 10 of the Births Act does limit the ability of unmarried fathers to register children under their surname and that there is no justification for the different provisions to be applied to unmarried fathers.